Protein C and protein S deficiencies contribute to morbidity and mortality in men and mice. Recombinant activated protein C (APC) therapy reduces mortality in adult severe sepsis patients. There is a major need for new insights into the physiologic and pharmacologic mechanisms of action of APC and protein S. To establish in vivo proof of principle for such mechanisms. Project 1 uses genetically modified mice, murine injury models, and novel recombinant murine proteins and involves extensive collaborations with Drs. Ruggeri and Ruf APC exerts two distinct activities: (1) anticoagulant activity and (2) direct beneficial effects on cells comprising a variety of cytoprotective actions. This latter activity is critical for mortality reduction by APC in murine sepsis models. The current paradigm for APCs cell signaling involves binding of APC by endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) combined with protease activated receptor-1 (PARI) proteolytic activation. We found that there is another signaling pathway initiated by APC that involves ligation of apolipoprotein E Receptor 2 (apoER2), signaling via the adaptor protein. Dabi, and Src-family kinases with downstream activation of the PI3K-Akt survival pathway. Engineering of murine APC and apoER2 mutants will allow interrogation ofthe protein surfaces that mediate binding and signal initiation by APC:apoER2 interactions and will provide reagents for in vivo proof of principle studies for mechanisms of APCs action in murine sepsis. Studies of mice genetically modified in apoER2 and Dab1 will establish whether apoER2 and Dab1 mediate APCs mortality reduction activities in sepsis. Protein S deficient mice will be subjected to thrombotic provocation and treated with combinations of recombinant wild type and mutant murine protein S and APC or other agents to define the relative efficacies for protein S antithrombotic activity that is either dependent on APC or independent of APC. Novel Principles that are established by these preclinical animal model studies may ultimately be translated into diagnostic or therapeutic advances involving the protein C and protein S systems.

Public Health Relevance

Protein C or protein S deficiency contributes to excessive blood clotting. Recombinant activated protein C (APC) is FDA-approved for reducing death in adult severe sepsis, but we don't understand how this drug works. To gain new insights, we will use engineered APC and protein S plus mice that are genetically modified. Novel principles that are established by these preclinical animal model studies may ultimately be translated into diagnostic or therapeutic advances involving the protein C and protein S systems.